Renee C. (MerryHearted) -
A short text on what fantasy play looks like in the classroom and why it is important. Paley decries the current trend of kindergarten and even preschool classrooms where formal academics have taken over, claiming that fantasy play is what the children need in these early years.
The book is mostly anecdotal and descriptive of classrooms where this sort of play is taking place; don't expect any references to scientific studies proving that fantasy play works better than early academics in teaching children or preparing children for later learning.
She does have some good examples of how story and playing it out can be useful in maintaining classroom order and kids getting along, and of course in how children work out their fears.
I already agreed with her premise before reading this, so it's hard to tell whether she would have changed my mind had I not.
The book is mostly anecdotal and descriptive of classrooms where this sort of play is taking place; don't expect any references to scientific studies proving that fantasy play works better than early academics in teaching children or preparing children for later learning.
She does have some good examples of how story and playing it out can be useful in maintaining classroom order and kids getting along, and of course in how children work out their fears.
I already agreed with her premise before reading this, so it's hard to tell whether she would have changed my mind had I not.
